How to Write an Op-Ed

Opinion Editorials, or Op-Eds, are an important tool for conveying your message to a broader audience outside of traditional pitching and news releases. However, inboxes at publications ranging from the Star Tribune to the New York Times are flooded with Op-Ed submissions every day. How can you ensure your Op-Ed breaks through? Share these tips with your experts so they know what editors are looking for in an Op-Ed submission.

• Write in your own voice. Audiences prefer conversational English that pulls them along with your narrative. That also means you should keep jargon to a minimum.
• Focus on a specific problem or issue to which you can lend specific insight. General commentary can feel “familiar” (read: boring) to many readers, and is less likely to be picked up by a publication.
• Present a clear thesis and include evidence-based arguments in favor of your viewpoint.
• If you’re commenting on a recent news event, submit your Op-Ed quickly!
• Most published Op-Eds fall between 400 and 1200 words. Many outlets have word count limits listed on their website, so try to adhere to the specifications of the publication to which you’re submitting your piece.

Trish Hall, the former Op-Ed and Sunday Review editor at the New York Times wrote, "Anything can be an Op-Ed. Personal or explanatory essays, commentary on news events, reflections on cultural trends and more are all welcome. We're interested in anything well-written with a fact-based viewpoint we believe readers will find worthwhile.”

As always, we encourage you to share your comments below or reach out to unews@umn.edu with any questions.